Ansupa, a small freshwater oxbow lake formed by the Mahanadi river, is known nationally for its scenic beauty and rich biodiversity. Some 194 species of birds, 61 fish species, 244 macrophytes, 88 butterflies and 26 mammals are supported by the wetland. The lake provides a safe habitat to three endangered species, the Indian skimmer (Rynchops albicollis), the black-bellied tern (Sterna acuticauda) and the wagur (Clarias magur), and the vulnerable river tern (Sterna aurantia) and helicopter catfish (Wallago attu). It also sustains the water demands of the surrounding areas and supports the fishing and farming livelihoods of the local communities. It is connected with Mahanadi river by a small channel which is not currently functional, making the lake prone to drying during extreme droughts. Other threats such as soil erosion, sedimentation, weed infestation, and fisheries also face the lake and its biodiversity. A management plan has been prepared for the period from 2019 to 2024.